By Kathy Schwartz, Tzofim Segel (Faculty) and Debra Siroka, Kallah Segel (Faculty)

It’s hot, I mean really hot. And while there is some quiet complaining occasionally, no one really cares because we are at OSRUI. Yes, the schedules have been changed to include more time at the lake, the pool, and general water fun. Yes, some campers have spent more time indoors than they usually do. But no one really cares because we are at camp.

And camp time is cherished no matter how it is spent. Just as Judaism itself marks time and occasions through sacred ritual so does OSRUI.

While in some ways it is hard to believe that the first Shabbat is almost upon us, it also feels like we have been here forever, or more precisely perhaps, never left. Each year those of us, campers, madrichim (counselors), faculty and other staff, who return to camp just pick up where the previous summer ended. Summer camp is a place where friendships made in a few weeks last a lifetime and bonds are created through sacred shared experiences and a whole lot of fun.

There are all OSRUI rituals such as Shabbat Shira (all camp song session), morning and evening tefilah, table-clearing games, the OSRUI camp song and OSRUI cheer. Specific units have their own cheers and rituals too. For example, each Thursday in Tzofim it is “high-sock Thursday” where both campers and counselors wear silly, colorful knee socks. This amusing ritual has significance not just while at camp. It brings OSRUI home as campers consider very carefully which socks to bring each year. It is like choosing that special pair of candlesticks for Shabbat, it needs to be just right.

Camp is full of rituals, Jewish and not, that make every moment sacred. Time is sacred at OSRUI because camp is only during a few weeks of the summer and we can only be a camper or counselor for a precious few years. Spending significant time with people who share not just your experiences but also your history and traditions, allow OSRUI’s sacred rituals to become sacred memories.

Kathy Schwartz, RJE is the Director of Lifelong Learning at Congregation Har HaShem in Boulder, Colorado and is serving as Tzofim faculty this session.

Debra Siroka, RJE is the Director of Congregational Education at Temple Beth-El in South Bend, Indiana and is serving as Kallah faculty this session.